Morley Byekwaso sets targets Uganda Cranes CHAN 2024 squad is named, Allan Okello tapped to lead historic bid
The crucial leadership roles were clearly defined, with Byekwaso announcing Okello as the primary captain, supported by experienced goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa and solid defender Rodgers Ochaki Torach as his deputies.
Uganda’s Group Fixtures – CHAN 2024 at Namboole
4th August vs Algeria – 8:00 PM
8th August vs Guinea
11th August vs Niger
18th August vs South Africa
Uganda Cranes head coach Morley Byekwaso today unveiled a formidable 25-man squad for the upcoming 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), setting a bold new ambition for the national team. The announcement, made at FUFA House in Mengo, saw midfield maestro Allan Okello officially appointed as the team captain, tasked with leading the Cranes beyond the group stage for the first time ever and deep into the tournament.
The squad unveiling ceremony precedes Uganda’s crucial group stage matches, all of which are set to be played at the re-energized Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, providing the Cranes with crucial home advantage.
The crucial leadership roles were clearly defined, with Byekwaso announcing Okello as the primary captain, supported by experienced goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa and solid defender Rodgers Ochaki Torach as his deputies.
“Allow me announce my three captains that will have the capability to lead others,” Byekwaso stated, emphasizing the strategic choice. He then laid out the immediate objective: “Our target is to qualify from the group. It’s not an easy task, but with extra effort and focus, we believe we can overcome our tough opponents.” This marks a clear intention to improve on past CHAN performances where Uganda has consistently struggled to advance past the initial stages.
Accepting the mantle of leadership, Allan Okello expressed the squad’s readiness and determination. “I just want to tell everyone out there that we are quite ready,” Okello affirmed. “We’ve been training well. Everyone is working hard. We are ready to make history and achieve our team’s goal.”
The new Cranes skipper also made a fervent appeal to the Ugandan faithful, urging them to fill Namboole when they open their campaign against Algeria on August 4th. “I call upon all fans to come and support us on 4th August against Algeria. Your energy motivates us and helps us win games,” he passionately urged, highlighting the vital role of fan support.
Byekwaso concluded the unveiling by reiterating the rigorous selection criteria applied to the 25-man squad, emphasizing a blend of raw talent, unwavering discipline, and collective ambition. “We have a dream of reaching far in this tournament. Me and my technical team believe this group of players can represent the nation and push us towards that dream,” he asserted, radiating confidence in his chosen charges.
With the 2025 CHAN tournament fast approaching, all eyes will now be firmly fixed on the Uganda Cranes. The nation awaits to see if Coach Morley Byekwaso’s ambitious vision, coupled with Allan Okello’s leadership and the collective spirit of this carefully selected squad, can finally deliver Uganda’s long-awaited breakthrough performance on the continental stage.
Full Squad Breakdown
Goalkeepers:
- Dennis Kigundu (Vipers SC)
- Joel Mutakubwa (Bul FC)
- Chrisoua Kusiima (Kitara FC)
Defenders:
- Arnold Odongo (SC Villa)
- Nicholas Meere (Bul FC)
- Gideon Odongo (NEC FC)
- Herbert Achai (KCCA FC)
- Rodgers Ochaki Torach (Vipers SC)
- Lazaro Muhindo (KCCA FC)
- Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC)
- Kizito Gavin (KCCA FC)
Midfielders:
- Joseph Marvin Youngman (Vipers SC)
- Elvis Ngonde (SC Villa)
- Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa)
- Allan Okello (Vipers SC)
- Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC)
- Enock Sebagala (Vipers SC)
- Abdul Karim Watambala (Vipers SC)
Forwards:
- Jude Semugabi (Kitara FC)
- Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC)
- Arafat Kiza Usama (KCCA FC)
- Yunus Junior Sentamu (Vipers SC)
- Reagan Mpande (SC Villa)
- Emmanuel Anyama (KCCA FC)
- Shafick Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC)
